Urine| Hair Follicle | Oral Fluid | Blood | ETG
Hair analysis is increasingly regarded as a robust method for identifying substance and alcohol consumption. Hair retains a long-term record of alcohol and other drugs by embedding biomarkers within the strands as they grow. When sourced near the scalp, hair can offer an approximately 3-month detection range for alcohol and other drugs. Collecting hair is straightforward, relatively tamper-proof, and simple to transport.
A 1.5-inch segment of roughly 200 hair strands (about the diameter of a #2 pencil) nearest to the scalp yields 100mg of hair, which is the optimal sample size for analysis and confirmation. For EtG, additional tests, and/or panels exceeding 10, a specimen of 150mg is advised. It is suggested to measure the specimen with a jeweler’s scale. If scalp hair cannot be obtained, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When mentioning head hair, it specifically pertains to scalp hair. Body hair is inclusive of all other hair types (facial, axillary, etc.).
Process Overview
The laboratory workflow for drug test analysis involves four key stages: Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.
Accessioning entails introducing a sample into the laboratory’s system, which includes verifying proper sealing and shipping of the sample, assigning it a random LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and finalizing any additional data input not captured by an electronic chain of custody system.
Screening serves as an initial assessment for substances of abuse. Screening is a cost-efficient strategy to eliminate drug usage in most samples; however, to be legally valid, positive screens need verification. Samples that are presumptively positive during Screening necessitate a further confirmation step.
When a sample tests presumptively positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and readied for Extraction. During this phase, drugs are isolated from hair at significantly lower concentrations compared to other methods (such as urine or oral fluid), rendering hair analysis as one of the most challenging methodologies to execute.
Confirmation of any screen-positives is carried out via GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. Before confirmation, all presumptive positive samples undergo washing if needed. The entire lab process, spanning from Accessioning to Confirmation, undergoes review under both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and accreditation under ISO / IEC 17025 standards.
Advantages of hair drug testing:
Limitations:
Note: Despite often being termed as "hair follicle tests", the assessment focuses on the hair strand and not the follicle beneath the scalp
Hair follicle testing stands out over urine testing in Sherman Station, ME due to its superior detection accuracy. Hair tests can trace drug usage far beyond the short timeframe typical of urine tests. As a result, employers benefit from a comprehensive assessment of an individual's substance history, ensuring informed and secure decision-making.
When it comes to reliability, hair follicle tests are nearly impossible to cheat, unlike urine tests which can be tampered with. This integrity of results offers assurance to employers, making hair tests the preferred choice in the battle against drug misuse in workplaces.
The hair follicle drug test in Sherman Station, ME reveals substance use stretching back up to 90 days. This extended detection window paints a detailed picture of a person's drug activity, unlike urine tests which only capture recent consumption.
Employers gain a well-rounded view of an applicant or employee's substance habits, aiding in the creation of a safe and healthy work environment. The aptitude to uncover prolonged drug use is one of the hair test's most compelling features.
The hair follicle test in Sherman Station, ME significantly diminishes the likelihood of sample adulteration. Its robust nature ensures the utmost integrity of testing outcomes, a critical factor for employers and legal entities that demand reliability.
With hair samples difficult to manipulate, the test's results are indisputable, offering peace of mind for those monitoring substance usage. This integrity reinforces its standing as a trusted method for comprehensive drug screening.
Located in Sherman Station, ME, accredited drug testing centers offer nationwide convenience for hair follicle testing. With numerous local facilities, accessing testing services is swift and hassle-free, ensuring you receive the support and services you need swiftly.
Our extensive network allows for seamless scheduling and testing, saving both time and effort. Whether local or across the country, our centers ensure you receive prompt and efficient service.
The process of hair follicle testing in Sherman Station, ME is designed to be both simple and private. From ordering the test to obtaining results, each step prioritizes comfort and confidentiality, addressing any privacy concerns users may have.
Customers enjoy a streamlined process with clear instructions, making it easy to navigate from start to finish without compromising on privacy. This ensures a stress-free experience for all involved.
In Sherman Station, ME, hair follicle testing is designed to be both affordable and efficient. Our competitive pricing structures cater to companies of all sizes, ensuring financial accessibility without sacrificing quality.
Along with cost-effectiveness, rapid turnaround times ensure that results are promptly delivered, enhancing decision-making processes. This fusion of savings and speed offers employers a valuable resource in substance misuse detection.
In Sherman Station, ME, hair follicle drug tests offer unparalleled accuracy and speed. This testing method ensures precise detection of substances, making it an essential tool for effective drug screening. The combination of high precision and quick processing times makes hair follicle tests a reliable choice for identifying substance use.
Thanks to advanced technology, hair follicle tests yield results that are both fast and reliable, crucial for making informed decisions regarding substance use. The swift turnaround times enhance their appeal, ensuring stakeholders can access timely and dependable information.
In Sherman Station, ME, hair follicle testing secures employers' adherence to drug-free workplace policies. It mitigates legal risks and fortifies workplace safety, serving as a safeguard for maintaining an optimal work environment.
Employers who integrate hair testing into their protocols experience reduced incidences of drug-related issues, assuring them a level of compliance and tranquility in their operations.
